William "Bill" Elliott Braden

December 12, 2023

William Elliott Braden, BPE, aged 75, passed away peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary on December 9, 2023, with his wife Suzanne by his side. The world looks a little greyer without his beautiful smile and infectious laugh to light up our lives.

Born to George and Opal (Murphy) Braden in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bill, fondly referred to as Braden by many who knew him, grew up in Pugwash and graduated from Oxford Regional High School and Dalhousie University. He settled in Halifax and spent more than forty years as a financial advisor, managing his portfolio both independently and with several companies, from Investors Group in the 1980s to CIBC Wood Gundy in the 2000s. He forged lifelong bonds with his clients and colleagues, many of whom became cherished friends.

Bill showed early athletic prowess as captain of his high school basketball team, and in later years, this translated to an interest in all sports and games. He played golf and squash, and was such an enthusiastic spectator of NFL and college football that his wife earned the status of “football widow.” He also cultivated a lifelong passion for cards and table games. “The Champ”—as he called himself—was equally at home playing forty-fives, crib, bridge with friends, or Scrabble and dominoes with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Whether his success was a result of skill or his extraordinary good luck remains a mystery.

In his later years, he discovered the pleasures of reading, especially mysteries and thrillers, and he enjoyed extensive travel with Suzanne. Together, they hiked the Camino in Spain, lived for several years in Qatar, and visited destinations in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Bill took his greatest joy in time with family. He was generous in his hospitality and refused to waste his energy in judgment of others. Visitors left his company with food and drink—and especially laughter—in their bellies. He will be remembered for his easygoing nature, big-hearted spirit, and occasional practical jokes. For his nearest and dearest, he showed only love and good humour.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Suzanne (Foster); his children, Lewis (Kandis Weiner), Amanda (Jeremy) Bidnall, Sara (Tom) McCarten, and Michelle (Jose Colina); his sister Patricia Hayashi; his brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Deborah; and six grandchildren: Olive, Mae, Amy, Jill, Evelyn, and Noah—with a seventh, Vincent, on the way. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Michael (in infancy), and his first wife Patricia.

The family also wishes to thank Dr. Craig St. Peter, who was a steadfast guide through Bill’s many medical adventures over the years.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, January 5, at 10 a.m. at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.